Little River Dam

LITTLE RIVER· Essex, Massachusetts· Stone· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Little River Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA)
Dam Length75 ft
Dam TypeStone
Max Storage25 acre-ft
Normal Storage11 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area28 sq mi
NID IDMA00739

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 19, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

SHAIN REALTY TRUST

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Little River Dam?

Little River Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Little River Dam?

Little River Dam is owned by SHAIN REALTY TRUST (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Little River Dam?

Little River Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Little River Dam?

Little River Dam has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Little River Dam last inspected?

Little River Dam was last inspected on June 19, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.